Mo. Senate panel backs gun law nullification bill

Mo. Senate panel backs gun law nullification bill

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- A Missouri Senate committee has endorsed legislation that would send federal agents to jail for enforcing federal gun control laws in the state.

The Senate General Laws Committee voted 5-1 Tuesday to advance the bill to the Senate floor for debate.

Supporters said the measure would protect gun owners from recent federal proposals aimed at curbing firearm ownership. But a Saint Louis University doctor told the committee the bill's goal to increase weapons access could lead to more gun-related deaths.

The legislation would declare federal gun controls laws that infringe on gun rights to be null and void in Missouri. Federal agents enforcing those laws could be prosecuted and punished by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.